Polymeric Materials for Rare Earth Elements Recovery
Rare earth elements (REEs) play indispensable roles in various advanced technologies, from electronics to renewable energy. However, the heavy global REEs supply and the environmental impact of traditional mining practices have spurred the search for sustainable REEs recovery methods. Polymeric mate...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Gels |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/9/10/775 |
| _version_ | 1827720896009207808 |
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| author | Hongtao Zhang Yongfeng Gao |
| author_facet | Hongtao Zhang Yongfeng Gao |
| author_sort | Hongtao Zhang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Rare earth elements (REEs) play indispensable roles in various advanced technologies, from electronics to renewable energy. However, the heavy global REEs supply and the environmental impact of traditional mining practices have spurred the search for sustainable REEs recovery methods. Polymeric materials have emerged as promising candidates due to their selective adsorption capabilities, versatility, scalability, and regenerability. This paper provides an extensive overview of polymeric materials for REEs recovery, including polymeric resins, polymer membranes, cross-linked polymer networks, and nanocomposite polymers. Each category is examined for its advantages, challenges, and notable developments. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of polymeric materials to contribute to eco-friendly and efficient REEs recovery, while acknowledging the need to address challenges such as selectivity, stability, and scalability. The research in this field actively seeks innovative solutions to reduce reliance on hazardous chemicals and minimize waste generation. As the demand for REEs continues to rise, the development of sustainable REEs recovery technologies remains a critical area of investigation, with the collaboration between researchers and industry experts driving progress in this evolving field. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:13:43Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-5eaaaedcc2f44dd58e482259e8c6fe7a |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2310-2861 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:13:43Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Gels |
| spelling | doaj.art-5eaaaedcc2f44dd58e482259e8c6fe7a2023-11-19T16:35:10ZengMDPI AGGels2310-28612023-09-0191077510.3390/gels9100775Polymeric Materials for Rare Earth Elements RecoveryHongtao Zhang0Yongfeng Gao1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, ChinaDepartment of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, CanadaRare earth elements (REEs) play indispensable roles in various advanced technologies, from electronics to renewable energy. However, the heavy global REEs supply and the environmental impact of traditional mining practices have spurred the search for sustainable REEs recovery methods. Polymeric materials have emerged as promising candidates due to their selective adsorption capabilities, versatility, scalability, and regenerability. This paper provides an extensive overview of polymeric materials for REEs recovery, including polymeric resins, polymer membranes, cross-linked polymer networks, and nanocomposite polymers. Each category is examined for its advantages, challenges, and notable developments. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of polymeric materials to contribute to eco-friendly and efficient REEs recovery, while acknowledging the need to address challenges such as selectivity, stability, and scalability. The research in this field actively seeks innovative solutions to reduce reliance on hazardous chemicals and minimize waste generation. As the demand for REEs continues to rise, the development of sustainable REEs recovery technologies remains a critical area of investigation, with the collaboration between researchers and industry experts driving progress in this evolving field.https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/9/10/775rare earth elements (REEs)polymeric materialspolymeric resinspolymer membranescross-linked polymer networksnanocomposite polymers |
| spellingShingle | Hongtao Zhang Yongfeng Gao Polymeric Materials for Rare Earth Elements Recovery Gels rare earth elements (REEs) polymeric materials polymeric resins polymer membranes cross-linked polymer networks nanocomposite polymers |
| title | Polymeric Materials for Rare Earth Elements Recovery |
| title_full | Polymeric Materials for Rare Earth Elements Recovery |
| title_fullStr | Polymeric Materials for Rare Earth Elements Recovery |
| title_full_unstemmed | Polymeric Materials for Rare Earth Elements Recovery |
| title_short | Polymeric Materials for Rare Earth Elements Recovery |
| title_sort | polymeric materials for rare earth elements recovery |
| topic | rare earth elements (REEs) polymeric materials polymeric resins polymer membranes cross-linked polymer networks nanocomposite polymers |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/9/10/775 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT hongtaozhang polymericmaterialsforrareearthelementsrecovery AT yongfenggao polymericmaterialsforrareearthelementsrecovery |